Altech Batteries Limited (ASX: ATC) has announced a major milestone with the completion and operation of its first CERENERGY® ABS60 battery prototype. This 60 kWh sodium-chloride solid-state battery, developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute in Dresden, Germany, is now fully operational and undergoing daily testing. The prototype has exceeded early performance expectations, demonstrating exceptional efficiency, thermal stability, and robust performance across all metrics, marking a significant leap forward for the company’s foray into high-capacity energy storage solutions.
Setting a New Benchmark in Battery Technology
Altech’s CERENERGY® battery represents a significant breakthrough in the energy storage sector. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, this sodium-chloride-based system eliminates the need for critical metals like lithium, cobalt, and graphite. It also operates efficiently across a wide temperature range, with a projected lifespan of 15 years—double that of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Altech’s Managing Director, Iggy Tan, highlighted the importance of this development, stating, "The success of the CERENERGY® 60 kWh prototype reconfirms our confidence in the sodium-chloride solid-state technology. We are now better positioned to provide a commercially viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, especially for grid storage applications."
This battery’s ability to function without lithium or other critical metals gives Altech a strategic edge as global supply chain concerns continue to affect metal availability and pricing. Its reliance on common table salt positions the CERENERGY® battery as an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective option for large-scale storage.
Proven Performance and Durability
Initial results from the Dresden testing facility indicate that the CERENERGY® ABS60 prototype has outperformed expectations. Notably, the battery has shown remarkable thermal stability, maintaining safe operating temperatures without overheating—a crucial feature for large-scale energy storage applications. In addition, the absence of any signs of degradation after rigorous testing underscores the durability of the battery, reinforcing its potential for long-term stability and reliability in high-temperature environments.
The battery's thermal management system has proven highly effective, enhancing both safety and longevity, while the overall design ensures consistent performance even under stress conditions. These characteristics are pivotal as Altech looks to commercialise this technology for industrial and grid-level applications.
A Vision for Large-Scale Production
This prototype is not just a lab success; it signals Altech’s readiness to scale up. The company is now using data from the ongoing testing to drive forward plans for its 120 MWh production facility in Saxony, Germany. This plant, once operational, will focus on manufacturing CERENERGY® battery modules designed for grid storage solutions. The commercial potential of this technology is already evident, with a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 30 MWh of CERENERGY® batteries signed with the Schwarze Pumpe Industrial Park.
According to Tan, “The real-world testing of this prototype is essential for off-take parties and will play a critical role in securing future agreements. We expect the CERENERGY® battery to be a key component in meeting the growing demand for renewable energy storage.”
The Technical Edge: Designed for Demanding Applications
The ABS60 CERENERGY® battery pack, with its 60 kWh capacity, is specifically designed for high-demand applications. Each pack comprises 240 sodium-chloride cells, stacked five modules high, and protected by a dust- and weatherproof design adhering to the IP65 standard. Its robust construction ensures it can operate in harsh environments, while its efficiency, rated at 91%, makes it a competitive option for industries requiring long-term, high-capacity energy storage.
Altech’s solid-state technology operates at temperatures up to 300°C, enhancing its suitability for grid storage and industrial uses where reliability and resilience are critical. The lack of moving parts also minimises maintenance needs, making this a low-cost, high-performance option for operators seeking long-term energy storage solutions without the headaches of regular servicing.
Strong Commercial Potential
The performance of the ABS60 has already piqued the interest of potential off-take partners, particularly in the industrial sector. With its cost-effective materials, long operational life, and capacity for stable performance in extreme temperatures, the CERENERGY® battery is emerging as a frontrunner in the energy storage race. The company’s testing of 497 individual cells—demonstrating a stable discharge capacity of 80 Ah over 500 cycles—further underscores the reliability of this technology for large-scale applications.
A Look Ahead
Altech’s success with the CERENERGY® 60 kWh prototype is just the beginning. The company is well-positioned to become a leader in the battery storage sector, particularly as it moves towards large-scale production at its German facility. With a focus on grid storage and industrial applications, Altech is setting the stage to play a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy, providing a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solution for long-duration energy storage.
The ongoing testing of the CERENERGY® prototype, combined with its promising early results, is expected to generate strong interest from potential commercial partners. As the demand for clean energy and reliable storage solutions intensifies, Altech’s sodium-chloride technology is poised to be a key player in the global shift away from fossil fuels.
In an era where energy reliability and sustainability are paramount, Altech's CERENERGY® battery technology offers a solution that ticks all the boxes—efficient, durable, and eco-friendly. As the world looks for alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries, Altech is ahead of the curve with a product that meets the moment.
